Tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade with Botswana are insignificant. Although, there are certain restrictions on licensing for a number of business operations reserved for Botswana companies.
Prohibited/Restricted Imports
There are a number of items that are prohibited/restricted for import to Botswana. Drugs and obscene literature (pornographic materials) are among them. Importation of some agricultural goods and plants requires approval from the Ministry of Agriculture before getting the import permit from the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs. Imports of fresh beef and pork are banned. It's possible to obtain import permits only on processed pork goods. Poultry imports are permitted only when there is a domestic market deficit. Imports of certain vegetables, meat, and dairy are seasonally banned.
Import permits are required for products from outside the Southern African Customs Union, with the exception of Malawi, and are obtained from the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs in the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Import permits are not transferable. Botswana's abolition of foreign exchange controls in February 1999 removed difficulties in obtaining the sufficient amount of foreign currency to realize transactions.
Documentation
Form CCA I for imports and exports within SACU; Form CE 500 (Bill of Entry) for imports from outside of SACU; Form CE 24 (Bill of Entry) for exports of locally manufactured products; and Form CE 23 (Bill of Entry) for exports of imported products.
Import Tariffs
Generally, items imported to Botswana from outside the Southern African Customs Union - SACU (Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland) are liable to customs duties at rates indicated in the Customs Tariff Book. Importers pay Customs duties against a prescribed declaration form formally known as a bill of entry, form BW500. A tariff book, just like goods codebook is available for sale at all regional Customs and Excise offices for BWP 300.00 and BWP 17.00, respectively. Unfortunately, it is not available via the Internet.
Labeling/Marking
There are specific requirements for providing information on production of imported items. The labeling and marketing article addresses issues relating to presentation and advertising. It forbids the disinformation of users. This is applicable to prepackaged goods that are to be delivered as such to the ultimate consumer. It also affects foods supplied to restaurants, hospitals, etc. The Botswana Bureau of Standards inspects periodically the compliance with this mandatory standard specification. | 
